Tag Archives: USPS

On April 24, 2013 the US Postal Service (USPS) published a ‘proposed rule’ in the federal register (fedreg#2013-09603) that seeks to ease restrictions on the shipment of live animals. The US Herpetoculture Alliance supports this proposed rule that will include provisions allowing shipment of many reptiles and amphibians. USPS will allow public comment for 30 days. The deadline for public comment is May 24, 2013. Please follow the link provided and make your public comment today!

Animal Rights organizations such as the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PeTA) are vehemently opposed to this measure. They are already activating their constituents to make public comment in opposition to this proposed rule. It is very important that USPS get support from the Herpetoculture Nation on this common sense approach to allow increased live animal shipping. Support the USPS ‘Shipping Rule!’

According to Greenwire, “The proposed shipping changes come at a time when the Postal Service is looking to revamp its business model and bracing for a drag on its revenue as other parts of the federal government absorb sequestration cuts. Previously, only chickens, turkeys, guinea fowl, doves, pigeons, pheasants, partridges, quail ducks, geese and swans weighing 25 pounds or less could be shipped”. The US Herpetoculture is primarily interested in the NEWLY added reptile and amphibian provisions of the proposed rule:

[Revise and reformat 9.3.3 to include a new last sentence, and a new item a and b as follows:]